It's knockout time in the US

THE Club World Cup Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow with an all-Brazilian affair, as Palmeiras and Botafogo lock horns at 6pm. 

Brazilian teams have taken the tournament in the United States by storm, with no fewer than four of the country’s clubs making the last 16. 

Palmeiras qualified at the top of the standings in Group A following two draws and a win, while Botafogo finished second to PSG in Group B.

Botafogo are the Cinderella men of the tournament, having played in Brazil’s second division just four years ago. 

Following their match, two European clubs Portugal’s Benfica and England’s Chelsea will square off at 10pm. 

The Blues enter the match with Enzo Fernandez pulling the strings in their midfield with two assists to date that helped them to second place in Group D. 

Benfica, meanwhile, are unbeaten after topping Group C which included Germans Bayern Munich and Argentina’s Boca Juniors. They will bank on Argentina veteran Angel Di Maria, who has already scored three goals - the joint most in the tournament to date. 

Of facing Benfica, Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo said: “[Benfica] are a good side. They deserved to go through. We know it’s going to be a really tough game so we will get ready for that now.”  

On Sunday, at 6pm, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates face European Champions PSG in a match that will be personal for the former Paris star. 

Bringing the curtain down on the weekend Round of 16 action are Brazil’s Flamengo and Bayern Munich at 10pm.